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SMS Messaging Segment

Aloware charges SMS by segments: >160 characters split into 153; Longer messages mean higher costs due to segment billing.

Laarni D avatar
Written by Laarni D
Updated over a week ago

Generally, all carriers measure text messages in character batches, often referred to as "segments". When you send SMS messages using Aloware Broadcast or Sequence, it's important to understand how SMS segments work and how they affect your costs.


What is an SMS Segment?

An SMS segment refers to a single portion of a text message when it is split into smaller parts for transmission purposes. Standard SMS messages are typically limited to 160 characters when using the GSM 7-bit alphabet. If a message exceeds this character limit, it is divided into multiple segments, each of which must be transmitted separately.

But what happens when you send longer messages?

Since the 160-character limit may not be enough when running campaigns or marketing initiatives, longer messages will be divided into "segments" with a 153-character per sending. The recipient will still receive the message in the correct order.

For example, if you send a 163-character SMS, it will be split into two: one with 153 characters and the other one with ten characters.

Aloware supports up to 1600 characters or 10 segments in one SMS message. However, for better delivery, it's recommended to limit your messages to 306 characters.

Special Characters and Emojis

Including special characters or emojis changes the encoding from GSM-7 to UCS-2, thereby reducing the character limit from 160 to 70 characters per segment.

For example, a message with an emoji will have a limit of 70 characters per segment instead of 160. If the message exceeds 70 characters, it will be converted to MMS if the "Send long text messages as MMS" feature is enabled.

For MMS, Aloware supports up to 1600 characters per segment and limits each segment to 5 MB. If the message exceeds this limit, the system will not send the MMS.


How does it affect the cost of SMS messaging?

Aloware bills the SMS usage per segment sent because this is how mobile carriers charge their rates.

If you are not familiar with messaging segments, you may wonder why you are charged for what appears to be a higher messaging cost. The charges for each number of characters are listed below.

160 characters

One segment

charged one segment

161-306 characters

Two segments

charged two segments

307-459 characters

Three segments

charged three segments

It is best to plan your message campaign with the message segment in mind. When sending longer messages is required, then it's best to consider the additional costs.

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